Autism Assessment for Children & Adults

What is Autism?

Autism can affect how people communicate, learn, behave, and socially interact. People may have repetitive and characteristic patterns of behaviour or narrow interests. Symptoms are usually present from early childhood and affect daily functioning. Both children and adults can have Autism and there can be differences in how this presents in males and females.

Our Assessments are conducted by highly experienced registered professionals and are fully NICE-compliant, recognised by the NHS, local authorities, schools, and employers.

Choose a questionnaire below to determine whether you or someone you know may have behaviours that indicate the potential for Autism.

Child Questionnaire

Adolescent Questionnaire

Adult Questionnaire

Cost of Pre-Screening Autism Assessment

To be used as an indicator of whether a comprehensive assessment is beneficial.

Autism Pre-screen

£149

Includes:

20-minute consultation
Pre-screening Autism questionnaires
Summary Report of Findings
Recommendations

ADHD and Autism Pre-screen

£229

Includes:

20-minute consultation
Pre-screening ADHD and Autism questionnaires
Summary Report of Findings
Recommendations

Cost of Autism Assessment

The assessment adheres to NICE Guidelines and can provide a medical diagnosis.

Child Assessment

£1800

Includes:

Pre-screening questionnaires
Diagnostic Assessment
School Observation (if required)
Comprehensive Feedback Meeting with lead clinician
Comprehensive Report
Recommendations and Resources

Adult Assessment

£1650

Includes:

Pre-screening questionnaires
Diagnostic Assessment
Comprehensive Feedback Meeting with lead clinician
Comprehensive Report
Recommendations and Resources

Combined Assessment

If you're noticing signs of autism and some attention, impulsivity or concentration difficulties, it may be worth considering a combined Autism + ADHD assessment. Lycali offers such combined assessments for both children and adults. Our assessments are NICE-compliant and carried out by experienced clinicians, with flexible options including in-person, online, home or school appointments.

Child ADHD and Autism Assessment - £2850
Adult ADHD and Autism Assessment - £2250

The fees are an accurate guide, but can vary depending on the service required. Please contact us for an individualised quotation.
*When applicable, we can provide means-tested discounts. If you're experiencing financial difficulties, please inform us, and we'll assess whether we can assist in covering part of the service expenses.
We accept payments via BACS Transfer.
We accept credit and debit card payments via Stripe for your convenience.
Please note that card payments are subject to a 2.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, a trusted global payment provider.
For assessment services, we offer the option to pay in two instalments. The total fee can be split into two payments of 50%:
- 50% is payable at the time of booking to secure your assessment appointment.
- The remaining 50% is due upon completion of the assessment, prior to the release of the final report.
There is no additional fee if paying via BACS.
Please note that any applicable card or Buy Now, Pay Later processing fees will be added if these payment methods are used.
If your assessment or therapy expenses are set to be covered by your private medical insurance, kindly provide us with your insurer details for seamless payment coordination between you and your insurance provider. Our affiliation encompasses registration with Aviva, AXA, BUPA and Vitality Health, facilitating a streamlined process for your convenience.
We are pleased to offer flexible payment options to make accessing our services easier. Clients can choose to pay via Klarna or PayPal “Buy Now, Pay Later”, subject to approval by the payment provider.
Please note that payments made using Klarna or PayPal Pay Later will incur an additional 4.99% processing fee, which will be added to the invoice total to cover transaction costs.
Availability of these payment options is subject to eligibility and approval by Klarna or PayPal, and we are unable to influence or guarantee approval decisions.

Our Payment Options

See fees

Autism Indicators

Children
- Reduced or inconsistent response to their name, voices or sounds
- Limited eye contact or face-watching
- Difficulty understanding facial expressions or emotions
- May not engage in typical back-and-forth conversation
- May prefer playing alone or engaging with others on their own terms
- Difficulty understanding social rules in games or play
- May struggle to make or maintain friendships
Adolescents & Adults
- Difficulty interpreting social cues such as body language, tone of voice or subtle emotional signals
- May find small talk or group conversations challenging
- Difficulty understanding non-literal language such as sarcasm, humour or idioms
- May feel unsure about appropriate topics or boundaries in conversation
- Social interaction may feel exhausting or confusing
Children
- Becoming very upset with unexpected changes
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
- Strong preference for predictable routines
- Repetitive play or interest in specific activities
Adolescents & Adults
- Strong need for structure and predictability
- Distress when routines or plans change suddenly
- Preference for clear expectations and rules
- Intense focus on particular interests or topics
Many autistic people experience the world differently through their senses.
This may include:
- Increased sensitivity to noise, lights, textures or smells
- Becoming overwhelmed in busy or crowded environments
- Seeking certain sensory experiences (movement, pressure, repetitive sounds)
- Difficulty understanding the perspectives or feelings of others
- Challenges navigating friendships or romantic relationships
- May appear socially naïve or overly trusting
- May struggle with group dynamics or workplace communication
Autism can present differently in girls and women and is sometimes less easily recognised.
Common indicators may include:
- Strong effort to mask or camouflage difficulties
- Appearing socially capable but feeling exhausted afterwards
- Intense interests that may appear socially typical (e.g. animals, books, celebrities)
- Greater awareness of social differences leading to anxiety or low self-confidence
- Difficulties with friendships that may involve conflict, exclusion or feeling misunderstood
Some boys and men may show more visible behavioural traits, such as:
- Clear repetitive behaviours or routines
- Strong focus on specific interests (e.g. trains, gaming, systems)
- Reduced awareness of social rules or boundaries
- More obvious social communication differences from an early age
PDA is a profile within the autism spectrum characterised by a strong need to resist everyday demands and maintain a sense of control and autonomy. This is not about “refusal” or “behaviour”, but rather a nervous system response to perceived demands and loss of control.
What this can look like:
- Avoidance of everyday demands (e.g. getting dressed, school tasks, routines)
- Strong need for autonomy and control over situations
- Using a range of strategies to avoid demands, including:
  - Distraction or changing the topic
  - Negotiation or bargaining
  - Making excuses or delaying
  - Withdrawal or shutdown
- Appearing socially confident, but struggling with deeper social understanding
- Intense emotional responses when feeling overwhelmed or pressured
- High levels of anxiety, particularly when expectations are unclear or unpredictable
- Mood can change quickly depending on perceived demands
- Difficulty with traditional behaviour management approaches (e.g. rewards, consequences)
- May respond better to flexible, collaborative and indirect approaches

Make a referral

PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy) is a profile often seen within the autism spectrum. It describes individuals who experience an intense need to avoid everyday demands due to high levels of anxiety and a need to feel in control.

No. PDA is not a separate clinical diagnosis in the UK. It is understood as a profile of autism, meaning it may be identified and described as part of a broader autism assessment, but it is not diagnosed on its own.

We can recognise and describe a PDA profile as part of a comprehensive autism assessment. Our clinicians consider patterns of behaviour, developmental history, and presentation in line with current clinical guidance.

Current diagnostic frameworks such as the DSM-5 and World Health Organization (WHO) classification systems do not include PDA as a standalone diagnosis. Clinicians diagnose autism and may describe a PDA profile to guide support.

Strong need to resist or avoid everyday demands
High anxiety linked to expectations or loss of control
Use of social strategies (e.g. distraction, humour, negotiation)
Sudden changes in mood when feeling pressured
Differences between settings (home vs school/work)
Difficulty with traditional behaviour approaches

Yes. Support often focuses on reducing perceived demands, increasing flexibility, building trust, and supporting emotional regulation rather than using directive or reward-based approaches.

Yes. PDA traits can be seen across the lifespan, although how they present may change over time.

No. PDA is not about “defiance” or choice. It is understood as an anxiety-driven response linked to a need for autonomy and control.

Yes. While not a formal diagnosis, many settings are increasingly aware of PDA and may adapt support approaches accordingly.

You may wish to complete a screening questionnaire, seek an autism assessment, or access psychoeducation and support. Lycali offers both assessment and tailored post-diagnostic guidance.

PDA FAQ’s

What to expect in an Autism Assessment

An autism assessment at Lycali consists of a comprehensive, structured clinical evaluation for Autism Spectrum Disorder, using gold-standard diagnostic tools such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R.
Our assessments are designed to explore developmental history, social communication, sensory processing, and behavioural patterns, ensuring a thorough and evidence-based diagnostic outcome for both children and adults.
All assessments at Lycali are delivered by fully qualified, registered clinicians, including:
- HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists
- HCPC-registered Speech & Language Therapists or Occupational Therapists
We do not use trainees or non-clinical staff to carry out diagnostic assessments. This ensures clinical integrity, consistency, and reports that stand up to educational, medical, and legal scrutiny.
Before your appointment, you will be sent a number of screening questionnaires to complete.
These help us gather important background information about attention, behaviour, and daily functioning.
- If the assessment is for a child, a questionnaire will also be sent to their school or educational setting (where applicable) so we can understand how they present in that environment.
- An informant (someone who knows you or your child well, such as a parent, partner, or close family member) will also complete a developmental history questionnaire.
This questionnaire gathers information about:
- Early development
- Past medical history
- Developmental milestones
- Education and learning experiences
- Family history
This information helps the clinician understand how symptoms may have developed over time.
We understand that completing pre-assessment paperwork for Autism Spectrum and ADHD assessments can feel overwhelming.
At Lycali, we can offer additional support to help you gather and organise the information required prior to your assessment. This may include:
- Talking through forms with you step-by-step
- Helping you reflect on developmental history and current needs
- Supporting you to provide clear and relevant examples
- Assisting verbally if completing written forms feels difficult
This support can be provided via a consultation session and is particularly helpful for individuals who may find written expression, recall, or organisation challenging.
Please note, this is an additional service offered at an hourly rate, which will be discussed and agreed with you at the time of booking.
The autism assessment process at Lycali consists of two core appointments:
1. Developmental Interview (ADI-R)
A detailed developmental history is gathered using the ADI-R.
This involves a structured conversation (usually with a parent, caregiver, or the individual where appropriate) to explore early development, communication, behaviour, and social interaction over time.
This appointment may last between 2-3 hours
2. Clinical Observation (ADOS-2)
The clinician will meet with you or your child to carry out a structured clinical observation using the ADOS-2.

This includes a series of structured and semi-structured activities designed to explore social communication, interaction, and behavioural patterns in the present.
This appointment typically lasts 60–90 minutes.
Both are required to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment.
Appointments can be conducted face-to-face or online, where clinically appropriate (ADOS-2 is typically completed face-to-face).
All questions and activities are adapted to suit an individual’s expressive and receptive language abilities, ensuring the process is accessible, supportive, and neuroaffirming.
1. Developmental Interview (ADI-R)
Children:
- Attended by a parent or primary caregiver (the child does not usually need to be present)
- The person attending should have a good knowledge of the child’s early development
Adults:
- Ideally attended by a parent, caregiver, or someone who knew you in early childhood
- If this is not possible, the adult can attend themselves, and we will gather as much developmental history as possible
What to have ready:
- Information about early development (speech, milestones, play, behaviour)
- Any school reports, previous assessments, or relevant documents
- Examples of current and past differences/strengths
2. Clinical Observation (ADOS-2)
Children:
- The child attends the session
- A parent/caregiver may be present if needed for support
Adults:
- The adult attends the session independently
What to expect:
- A structured but relaxed set of activities and conversations
- Exploration of communication, interaction, and behaviour in the present
- A supportive, neuroaffirming approach tailored to the individual
Following the assessment, you will be invited to a feedback meeting with the lead clinician who conducted the assessment.
During this session, the clinician will:
- Discuss the findings of the assessment
- Explain whether the diagnostic criteria for Autism are met
- Provide recommendations and next steps
You will also receive a detailed written report within 2-3 weeks outlining the assessment process, findings, and recommendations.
Following your assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, we will guide you through the most appropriate next steps based on your individual needs.
Post-Diagnostic Support:
We offer individual psychoeducation sessions, designed to support both individuals and families following a diagnosis of autism. These sessions can help you to:
- Understand autism and how it presents for you or your child
- Develop practical strategies for everyday life
- Support emotional wellbeing
- Navigate sensory differences and communication needs
- Manage associated challenges such as anxiety and routines
Our approach is tailored, neuro-affirming, and focused on helping you feel confident in understanding and navigating your diagnosis.
If you are unsure what support you may need, our team will talk this through with you and help you identify the most helpful next steps.

Make a Referral

Why we’re not a Right to Choose provider

Our priority is delivering gold-standard, neuro-affirming Autism and ADHD assessments with the highest level of clinical quality. We know many families and adults consider the NHS Right to Choose pathway, so we want to clearly explain why we choose not to operate under this system and how this benefits the people we support.
Our decision is rooted in ensuring fast turnaround times, compliance, and neuroaffirmative high-quality care.
While NHS Right to Choose can be helpful, waiting times are often long — commonly 6–18 months, depending on location and service capacity.
By remaining independent, Lycali offers:
- Shorter waiting times (often weeks, not months)
- Flexible appointment options
- Direct self-referral, with no GP referral required
This means quicker answers and earlier access to meaningful support.
All Lycali assessments follow NICE guidance and use validated tools such as:
- ADOS-2
- ADI-R
- DIVA-5 / Young DIVA
- ACE / ACE+
We allow the time needed for thorough, multidisciplinary assessment, so clients feel listened to — not rushed.
Because our assessments meet NHS-equivalent clinical standards, Lycali reports are recognised by:
- NHS and GP services
- Schools and SENCO teams
- Local authorities (including EHCP processes)
- Employers and workplace adjustments teams
Your assessment is designed to travel with you and support you across settings.
All assessments at Lycali are delivered by fully qualified, registered clinicians, including:
- HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists
- GMC-registered Paediatricians
- HCPC-registered Speech & Language Therapists or Occupational Therapists
We do not use trainees or non-clinical staff to carry out diagnostic assessments. This ensures clinical integrity, consistency, and reports that stand up to educational, medical, and legal scrutiny.

Make a referral

Reviews

"Lycali provided a thorough and compassionate autism assessment. Everything was explained clearly, and I finally feel understood. I wish I’d done this sooner."
"I’ve worked with other services before, but Lycali stands out for their professionalism and empathy. My therapist helped me navigate some really difficult times with sensitivity and skill."
I just wanted to say thank you to Dr Isobel Robb and Stephanie for making the assessment comfortable for both me and my parents to conduct. It was very thorough and the outcome will definitely help me in my future. I'm really thankful for receiving the results so quickly
“Thank you so much for all your help, support and care. You have explained everything we needed and thank you for saying I can get in touch if we need any more help.”
“You were very patient with our son and always gave us ideas so that we could support him between therapy sessions. Thank you so much!”
“After our daughter's Speech and language assessment, you offered great feedback and your report was very detailed. This was a huge help towards the EHCP process.”
"My daughter’s speech has improved so much in just a few months. Our speech therapist at Lycali was kind, engaging, and always kept us involved with providing follow up activities. I highly recommend them."
“Heidi was very engaging and really listened to the needs of my son. She explained her methods and gave us tips to try at home. We are really pleased with the service.”
“The calls have helped me to find more space and given me a safe space to discuss and release emotions. Tim's nature and communication is comforting and supportive, he adds thoughts and questions which offer space to analyse and to help growth.”
"Heidi was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She gave our son room to explore and enjoyable targets".
"Heidi was very patient with my child and has made him confident to use his voice"
"I can’t thank you enough for your help and support with my son. I will most certainly be coming back to your services again for an autism assessment".
"The ADHD assessment process was seamless, evidence-based, and respectful. I felt listened to throughout, and the diagnosis has helped me finally understand myself."
Everything has been amazing so thanks to you, Isobel and Stephanie. You have made things really easy with clear and quick communication and they really created a safe environment instantly.
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure working with your staff. They were really kind and helpful and made the process easier for both me and Matilda.
"We had a brilliant experience with Lycali. The assessment process was clear, kind, and professional from start to finish. My son felt at ease, and we finally have a clear plan for supporting his needs."
"I was nervous about starting therapy, but the team at Lycali made me feel heard and respected from day one. Their care was outstanding, and the progress I’ve made is life-changing."

Leave us a review on Google: Leave a review

Lycali offers a professional and friendly service where time and attention can be taken to ensure the service received is of the highest standard and there is minimal waiting time. Our specialist team will always take the time to provide expert advice so you are aware of all the pre-and post-diagnostic and therapy services available. Our clinics are suitable for children and adults, and based in Thanet and Surrounding areas. We provide online or in-person therapy sessions.

About Lycali

Meet the Team

Linked Communication Speech & Language Assessment Room for children

Because Every Individual Deserves to Be Understood

Autism Assessment for Children & Adults

What is Autism?

Cost of Pre-Screening Autism Assessment

Autism Pre-screen

ADHD and Autism Pre-screen

Cost of Autism Assessment

Child Assessment

Adult Assessment

Combined Assessment

Our Payment Options

Autism Indicators

PDA FAQ’s

What to expect in an Autism Assessment

Why we’re not a Right to Choose provider

"Lycali provided a thorough and compassionate autism assessment. Everything was explained clearly, and I finally feel understood. I wish I’d done this sooner."

"I’ve worked with other services before, but Lycali stands out for their professionalism and empathy. My therapist helped me navigate some really difficult times with sensitivity and skill."

I just wanted to say thank you to Dr Isobel Robb and Stephanie for making the assessment comfortable for both me and my parents to conduct. It was very thorough and the outcome will definitely help me in my future. I'm really thankful for receiving the results so quickly

“Thank you so much for all your help, support and care. You have explained everything we needed and thank you for saying I can get in touch if we need any more help.”

“You were very patient with our son and always gave us ideas so that we could support him between therapy sessions. Thank you so much!”

“After our daughter's Speech and language assessment, you offered great feedback and your report was very detailed. This was a huge help towards the EHCP process.”

"My daughter’s speech has improved so much in just a few months. Our speech therapist at Lycali was kind, engaging, and always kept us involved with providing follow up activities. I highly recommend them."

“Heidi was very engaging and really listened to the needs of my son. She explained her methods and gave us tips to try at home. We are really pleased with the service.”

“The calls have helped me to find more space and given me a safe space to discuss and release emotions. Tim's nature and communication is comforting and supportive, he adds thoughts and questions which offer space to analyse and to help growth.”

"Heidi was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She gave our son room to explore and enjoyable targets".

"Heidi was very patient with my child and has made him confident to use his voice"

"I can’t thank you enough for your help and support with my son. I will most certainly be coming back to your services again for an autism assessment".

"The ADHD assessment process was seamless, evidence-based, and respectful. I felt listened to throughout, and the diagnosis has helped me finally understand myself."

Everything has been amazing so thanks to you, Isobel and Stephanie. You have made things really easy with clear and quick communication and they really created a safe environment instantly.

Thank you so much. It was a pleasure working with your staff. They were really kind and helpful and made the process easier for both me and Matilda.

"We had a brilliant experience with Lycali. The assessment process was clear, kind, and professional from start to finish. My son felt at ease, and we finally have a clear plan for supporting his needs."

"I was nervous about starting therapy, but the team at Lycali made me feel heard and respected from day one. Their care was outstanding, and the progress I’ve made is life-changing."

About Lycali